Finding the right microphone is crucial for podcasting success. Finding the right microphone that is the right fit for you is more important. Garbage in is garbage out is true. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s a mic out there that perfectly suits your needs and budget.
Here’s a roundup of the top picks in different price ranges for mics perfect for podcasting:
Podcast Microphones featured in this review
Budget Mics (Sub $100)
- Rode Podmic
- Samson Q2U
- AT2020
- ATR2100
- MXL990
- Blue Snowball
- Shure SM58
Mid-Range Mics ($100-$200)
- Blue Yeti
- AKG Lyra
- Sennheiser Profile
- PreSonus Revelator Dynamic
- PreSonus PX-1
- Samson Q9U
- Rode NT1-A
- Rode Podcaster
- Electro-Voice RE320
Premium Mics ($200+)
- Heil PR40
- Electro-Voice RE20
- Shure SM7b
- Shure SM7db
- Shure MV7
- Rode NT1 5th Gen
- Apogee HypeMic
Before we move into the full list, we want to save some time by sharing our top picks from each section, and further down we include a quick overview of each microphone. This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase a microphone through one of these links, we may earn a small commission that helps support Mics Live.
Expert opinion – If you’re just starting out and want to give it a go, invest in the budget end, and then level up your equipment at a later date. If you really want it to sound great from the get go you must go high end. Check out our pro podcaster studio list.
Budget-Friendly:
Samson Q2U: https://amzn.to/3TwXsKt (Amazon)
This versatile microphone offers both USB mini B and XLR connections, making it a great choice for beginners who might upgrade their setup later. It delivers clear audio quality and comes with a desktop stand and windscreen, which is ideal because your plosives (bs and Ps) can cause peaking issues with this microphone.
There is an on and off mute button, with indicator light which turns green to let you know it is live. It also includes an 3.5 audio jack out for headphones, as well as a volume control neatly placed on the side. In the box you’ll get a mic muff, a 2 metre (6ft) USB mini B to USB A cable and an XLR cable.
This is a well constructed microphone for the money and an ideal beginner for podcasters.
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB: https://amzn.to/3Je6DLn (Amazon)
Another fantastic budget option, the ATR2100x-USB boasts both USB C and XLR connections and impressive sound quality for the price. In our experience it can be less forgiving on plosives (those P and B sounds).
Lighter than the Q2U, because its slightly smaller. Inside the box there’s a standard XLR cable, a USB A to USB C cable, and USB C to C cable. You also get a mic stand which isn’t great, our advice is buy a decent angle poise stand. You also have a mute button, this time a light turns blue when its on. The base has the 3.5 headphone jack with wheel to control volume, and there’s the XLR and USB C connectors.
Another decent microphone for starting your podcast journey.
Mid-Range:
Rode Podmic: https://amzn.to/3QqZz1L (Amazon)
The Rode PodMic is a popular choice for podcasters, particularly beginners, due to its affordability and ease of use.
This reasonably priced dynamic XLR, broadcast-style mic by Rode is a solid, all-metal construction and is likely reliable for years of use. You can connect to any audio interface or mixer via an XLR microphone cable. It is of course optimised for use with RØDECaster Pro Podcast Production Studio.
An internal shock mount reduces the sound of knocks and vibration, whilst a built-in pop filter tames plosives (‘p’ and ‘b’ sounds) for natural, clear voice reproduction, and there’s an integrated yoke mount to allow easy positioning.
You’ll need a decent boom arm, or quality table mic stand for the Rode Podmic.
Rode NT-USB Mini: https://amzn.to/4cLhNor (Amazon)
This compact and affordable microphone is a favourite among some podcasters for its small form factor, excellent audio quality and built-in pop filter. It also features a headphone output for real-time monitoring with volume control
This condenser microphone can be used on the desktop with provided stand, or attached to a boom arm. There’s more top end to this mic, it doesn’t offer the rich depth as a dynamic mic in a similar price range.
In the box is the USB C to USB A lead, thread mount, stand and microphone. According to Rode this is their best seller.
Blue Yeti: https://amzn.to/3TRovS2 (Amazon)
A perennial favorite, the Blue Yeti offers outstanding audio quality, multiple recording patterns, and a sturdy design. It’s perfect for podcasters who want a versatile and easy-to-use microphone.
However, you need to learn how to use it to get the best out of it. What do we mean by that? Some people just place it on the table and off they go, which is fine, but learn how to tilt the stand for optimal voice use, and learn about its pick-up patterns.
Like others you have the 3,5 headphone jack with volume control, and you get the USB lead to connect to your PC.
High-End:
Each of these microphones are dynamic and will require either a Cloudlifter or Fethead preamp.
Shure SM7B (dynamic): https://amzn.to/3TRHY53 (Amazon)
The industry standard for professional podcasters, the SM7B delivers exceptional audio quality and is known for its ability to isolate your voice from background noise.
We don’t like the SM7B, we love it. This is a great microphone for podcasters. In fact we’ve used it for radio shows too. As with almost all professional grade microphones you’ll need accessories to make it worth buying. That includes decent XLR mic cables, an audio interface, and a decent mic pre-amp to lift its presence – either a Fethead or Cloudlifter (see below).
There’s also now the SM7Bd, which is essentially the SM7B with a built in preamp for nearly $120 more.
Heil PR40 (dynamic): This is a superb microphone, originally developed for use with drums, but with podcast vocals it sounds truly superb. Excellent at rejecting background noises, but it does require a pop filter, and again you’ll need an additional audio interface and extra kit to make it sound as it should.
In our view this is the best microphone in the range for anyone recording in a non soundproofed studio, so most podcasters. The Heil PR40 offers genuine warmth a presence and sounds like your in a professional studio.
Electro voice RE320: (dynamic) This broadcast-quality microphone offers warm, rich audio and excellent rejection of background noise.
This is a bit of a curveball to throw in, because it sits between mid-range and hig-end. This is the little brother to the excellent radio studio microphone the RE20 from the same stable.
We think its a great choice for podcasters who want pristine audio quality for their recordings. You’ll need a pre-amp, although its less thirsty than the SM7B and Heil PR40. And you’ll require an audio interface and other kit once more. Of course you could instead opt for the Electro-voice RE20.
Dynamic Microphones often require a little help
Cloudlifters and Fetheads are handy tools specifically designed for dynamic microphones, which typically have lower output than condenser mics. These in-line devices act as preamps, boosting the mic’s signal strength without introducing unwanted noise. This allows you to crank the gain less on your main preamp or audio interface, resulting in a cleaner overall sound with less hiss. They’re particularly helpful for mics like the Shure SM7B, which require a lot of gain to reach optimal recording levels.
Microphone Pre-amps
The easiest way to improve the volume of your Dynamic Microphone (Shure SM7B, Rode Procaster, Heil PR40) is by using a mic pre-amp. Click below to read more in our review.
Audio interface explained
Unleash the full potential of your podcasting microphone with an audio interface. These devices act as a bridge between your microphone and your computer, providing features like phantom power (essential for condenser mics) and improved audio quality. Popular options for podcasters include the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, a compact and affordable interface with clear sound, and the Rode Rodecaster Pr o, an all-in-one solution with built-in mixer, effects processing, and SD card recording for added versatility. Regardless of your budget or needs, an audio interface can significantly enhance your podcast’s audio quality. I
USB Microphones (Plug-and-Play): These microphones can plug directly into you PC, making a quick and affordable way of starting podcasting. However, what you gain in ease of use you often lose in quality.
XLR Microphones (Require Audio Interface): These microphones will require an audio interface which in turn can connect to your PC. XLR microphones can also be used with portable recorders removing the need to record directly to a computer. You will also require an XLR microphone cable.
Here’s Micslive’s full list of options you have for Microphones as a podcaster:
Don’t forget your mic stands – boom arms to desk tops, we have a review of the best for any budget here.
Budget Mics (Sub $100)
Samson Q2U (USB/XLR):
Pros: The Rode PodMic delivers clear, professional-sounding audio, perfect for capturing your voice for podcasts.
Cons: Requires Audio Interface, XLR lead required, not that this is a bad thing, but of course will increase your budget. However, this is as close as you’ll get to broadcast quality without spending huge bucks on a microphone.
Average Cost: $89
Samson Q2U (USB/XLR):
Pros: Versatile (USB/XLR), good audio for price, includes headphone jack.
Cons: Plastic build feels cheap, might pick up background noise.
Average Cost: $60
Audio-Technica ATR2100 (XLR):
Pros: Clear, natural sound, good for voice-over work, affordable.
Cons: Requires an audio interface (additional cost), less forgiving for plosives (p, b sounds).
Average Cost: $80
Rode SmartLav+ (3.5mm TRRS):
Pros: Tiny and portable, ideal for mobile recording (smartphones), good sound quality.
Cons: Limited use cases (needs separate recording device), picks up handling noise easily.
Average Cost: $50
MXL990 (XLR):
Pros: Warm, rich sound, often used for vocals, good value for beginners.
Cons: Requires an audio interface, sensitive to background noise, might need a pop filter.
Average Cost: $70
Blue Snowball (USB):
Pros: Classic snowball design, simple to use, includes desktop stand.
Cons: Picks up a lot of background noise, average audio quality, limited controls.
Average Cost: $50
Shure SM58 (XLR):
(While technically not a bad mic for podcasting, it’s more suited for live vocals due to its design)
Pros: Legendary mic, durable build, good at rejecting background noise.
Cons: Not ideal for close-up recording, requires an audio interface, designed for live vocals.
Average Cost: $90
Audio-Technica AT2020 (XLR):
Pros: Clear, detailed sound, good for various recording applications, affordable XLR mic.
Cons: Requires an audio interface, sensitive to plosives, picks up some background noise.
Average Cost: $100
Mid-Range Microphones ($100-$200)
Blue Yeti (USB):
Pros: Easy to use, affordable, multiple recording patterns, includes headphone jack.
Cons: Picks up background noise easily, average audio quality compared to XLR mics.
Average Cost: $130
AKG Lyra (USB):
Pros: Stylish design, good audio quality, multiple recording patterns, compact.
Cons: Limited control options compared to some XLR mics, may require additional gain for quiet voices.
Average Cost: $180
Sennheiser Profile (USB):
Pros: Excellent sound quality, good noise cancellation, sleek design.
Cons: Pricey for a USB mic, limited controls, some users report software quirks.
Average Cost: $250
PreSonus Revelator Dynamic (XLR):
Pros: Built-in compressor and limiter, good for beginners, includes headphone jack.
Cons: Requires an audio interface, average audio quality compared to higher-end XLR mics.
Average Cost: $150
PreSonus PX-1 (XLR):
Pros: Clear, detailed sound, good value for an XLR mic, versatile for vocals and instruments.
Cons: Requires an audio interface, may require additional gain for quiet voices, picks up some background noise.
Average Cost: $100
Samson Q9U (XLR/USB):
Pros: Versatile (XLR/USB), good audio quality for price, includes headphone jack.
Cons: Plastic build feels cheap, might pick up background noise (USB mode).
Average Cost: $80
Rode NT1-A (XLR):
Pros: Studio-quality condenser mic, exceptional sound clarity, versatile for vocals and instruments.
Cons: Requires an audio interface, sensitive to plosives (p, b sounds) and background noise.
Average Cost: $230
Rode Podcaster (XLR):
Pros: Designed specifically for podcasting, good sound quality, built-in headphone jack, good noise rejection.
Cons: Requires an audio interface, might need a pop filter for plosives.
Average Cost: $220
Premium Mics ($200+)
When buying premium you also need to consider the weight of the mics will need a decent mic stand, you should also purchase high quality microphone leads, as well as an audio interface and cloudlifter to increase output.
Shure SM7B (XLR): (dynamic)
Pros: Industry standard, smooth, rich sound, excellent noise rejection, legendary build quality.
Cons: Requires an audio interface and a cloudlifter (additional cost), bulky design.
Average Cost: $350
Shure SM7DB (XLR): (dynamic) (Broadcast version of SM7B with slight modifications)
Pros: Similar to SM7B with a touch more presence boost, good for broadcast applications.
Cons: Requires an audio interface and a cloudlifter, expensive.
Average Cost: $480
Shure MV7 (XLR/USB): (dynamic)
Pros: Versatile (XLR/USB), good for both podcasting and streaming, excellent sound quality.
Cons: Pricey for a USB mic, requires an audio interface for XLR use.
Average Cost: $230
Apogee HypeMic (USB-C):
Pros: Excellent sound quality for a USB mic, portable design, headphone jack.
Cons: Limited compatibility (USB-C only), higher price point for a USB mic.
Average Cost: $350
Rode NT1 5th Gen (XLR):
Pros: Studio-quality condenser mic, exceptional sound clarity, versatile for vocals and instruments.
Cons: Requires an audio interface, sensitive to plosives and background noise.
Average Cost: $230
Heil PR40 (XLR):
Pros: Broadcast quality, excellent noise cancellation, good for booming voices.
Cons: Expensive, requires an audio interface, bulky design.
Average Cost: $400+
Electro-Voice RE20 (XLR):
Pros: Legendary broadcast mic, smooth, rich sound, excellent noise rejection.
Cons: The RE20 is a hefty microphone and requires a sturdy stand.
Average Cost: $480+
Choosing the Right Microphone
Consider these factors when selecting a microphone for your podcast:
- Budget: Microphones range in price from affordable to high-end. Determine how much you’re comfortable spending before you start shopping. Also consider everything else you might need for the type of microphone.
- Audio Quality: The sound quality of your microphone is essential for a professional-sounding podcast. Choose a mic that captures your voice clearly and minimizes background noise.
- Recording Setup: USB microphones are plug-and-play, while XLR microphones require an additional audio interface. Consider your recording setup and needs when making your choice.
- Features: Some microphones offer additional features like multiple recording patterns or headphone outputs. Decide which features are important to you.
By considering these factors and the recommendations above, you can find the perfect microphone to take your podcast to the next level.
